‘It was necessary, absolutely necessary’

Whether it is the scratches in our hardwood floors or deciding on our next vacation, it often obstructs our view of Christ

Published on: October 30th, 2012 — 9:28 AM / OBS: South America

AYAVARI, PERU — Every year for the past 3 years, medical missionaries have been making their way from the U.S. and other parts of Peru to the small town of Ayaviri, Peru. For almost a week, these doctors, nurses, pharmacists and some non-medical personnel tend to the needs of the people in this high altitude town (about 4,000 meters, or over 13,000 feet) and the surrounding countryside. They brought all the medicine, vitamins, and equipment they could and tended to patients from October 16th through the 19th (2012). This medical campaign (as it is formally called), was coordinated through the local prelature (not a full catholic diocese, a quasi-diocese) and was able to assist more than 1,350 patients. (more below)

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music by: Kieran Murphy

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Annie Carlon came to the medical mission with the Denver contingency. This experience allowed her to see clearly the abundant blessings in her life, and to have an unobstructed view of Christ. Daily Mass each morning before starting work reminded her to keep a servant’s heart, and receiving the Eucharist gave her the grace to say “yes” every day to the work God set before her. The experience of working with religious brothers and sisters during the medical campaign has opened her heart to the possibility that her children may be called to the same vocation.

A clear message from this story in Peru is that, at times, Americans are very blessed materially, but lack spiritual riches. Whether it is the scratches on our hardwood floors, or where will we go to vacation next, it is often those thoughts that can obscure our vision of Christ. Annie has two kids, and is part of a parish that is committed to praying for vocations, specifically to holy orders and the religious life. After this trip, Annie would be incredibly excited to see either of her children grow up to be like the religious that she encountered on this medical mission in Ayavari, Peru.

In the end, it is the Eucharist that helped Annie thrive with genuine love in the difficult life circumstances that she encountered high up in the Andes Mountains. Why was the Eucharist important to Annie, why is it important to your daily living? Our OBS team in South America invites you to share your reflections on the Eucharist below in the comment section.

OneBillionStories.com Contributor – Annie & Al Palmquist

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YESTERDAY’S STORY

READINGS FOR 30TH OCTOBER 2012
First: Ephesians 5:21-33
Psalm: Psalms 128:1-2,3,4,5
Gospel: Luke 13:18-21

ROSARY: SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
1. Agony in the Garden
2. Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowning of Thorns
4. Way of the Cross
5. Crucifixion

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